Manufacturers, Distributors and Retailers

The supply chain is a key component of the business strategy for many manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. We have assisted clients in developing more efficient and effective supply chains, and in leveraging the supply chain to achieve strategic goals. Our supply chain clients span consumer and industrial products, as well as bulk commodities.

Operations Improvement

Warehouse operations

Transportation sourcing and execution

Technology assessment and implementation

Supply Chain Strategy

Development of new supply chain

Customer-responsive strategies

Alternative mode, carrier, and routing strategies

Supply chain modeling

eCommerce fulfillment strategy

Using the supply chain as a competitive weapon

Supply Chain Design

Inbound and outbound synchronization

Modal alternative trade-offs

Warehousing/distribution center network design

eFulfillment

Reverse logistics/returns

Strategic sourcing

Case Studies

Client was an industry group that funds initiatives to improve the agricultural products supply chain to benefit farmers and the ag community. We worked with client to identify and study potential opportunities to add capacity and/or lower supply chain costs.

Client was a successful 3PL serving traditional brick and mortar based markets, but felt there were significant opportunities to develop a strong eFulfillment offering for existing and new customers. While client had dipped toe into eFulfillment, it believed it needed to better understand the eFulfillment market and sub-segments and capabilities required to grow in the eCommerce/eFulfillment space.

A leading HVAC manufacturer had declining profit in its light commercial product line. With 100 SKUs and seasonal demand, its perceived options included either immense inventory spread throughout the U.S., or significant lost sales. With high margins, neither alternative was ideal. Simultaneously, shareholders expected significant bottom-line growth.

Client was developing a new mine to serve the export market. A supply chain had to be designed to move product from the mine to the ports. We assisted the client in better understanding its supply chain options through flow-based, fault-based simulation modeling.

An importer/distributor of furniture, building materials, and artwork had runaway inventories, disgruntled customers, high damage claims, and declining profits. With limited purchasing power and inconsistent service, the company was not profitable.